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Alexis Silver #4
Silver Crucible
Even immortal beings need to get away from it all.
Mermaid Alexis Silver can tolerate only so many years living primarily on dry land before it’s time for a nice long swim.
While she loves her work as a private investigator, a few nail-biter jobs in a row calls for some time off.
And so, she leaves everything behind—literally—and dives into the ocean, planning to take a month off, cruising around Central America.
What’s the point of vacationing without seeing new things? Soon after arriving in Panama, curiosity pulls her to shore.
A not-so-chance meeting with a vampire thrusts her straight into the middle of otherworldly chaos.
It’s a challenge working a case when all her possessions are thousands of miles away, but not having a phone, money, or a comfortable outfit is the least of her problems.
Though she’s unable stop the dark masters’ plans entirely, she might be able to save one guy...
That is, if he doesn’t kill her first.
Mermaid Alexis Silver can tolerate only so many years living primarily on dry land before it’s time for a nice long swim.
While she loves her work as a private investigator, a few nail-biter jobs in a row calls for some time off.
And so, she leaves everything behind—literally—and dives into the ocean, planning to take a month off, cruising around Central America.
What’s the point of vacationing without seeing new things? Soon after arriving in Panama, curiosity pulls her to shore.
A not-so-chance meeting with a vampire thrusts her straight into the middle of otherworldly chaos.
It’s a challenge working a case when all her possessions are thousands of miles away, but not having a phone, money, or a comfortable outfit is the least of her problems.
Though she’s unable stop the dark masters’ plans entirely, she might be able to save one guy...
That is, if he doesn’t kill her first.
288 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 22, 2020
202 people are currently reading
58 people want to read
About the author
J.R. Rain
682 books1,728 followersJ.R. Rain is the author of 110 novels and counting. He lives on an island in the Pacific Northwest, where he's hard at work on his next novel... and fighting off sparkly vampires.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
September 6, 2021
3.5 stars rounded up!
This is my first foray into the Alex Silver series without have read the prior three. I was told that this book does act as a standalone, so I wouldn’t miss out on much by jumping straight into Silver Crucible. That being said, I don’t necessarily agree with that. I was definitely confused for the first few chapters since it was clear that the readers should already know all about paranormal detective Alex Silver and her past. However, once you get to the meat of the story, that sense of being left out quickly fades.
Alex decides to refresh by swimming to Panama for a vacation. But even on vacation, Alex can’t seem to actually rest because she gets bitten by a vampire, Niles who is determined to give up his vampiric life in order to escape the Dark Master he serves. The stakes are high though, and Niles could easily wind up dead in the process, but Alex has to try, right?
What started off as a bit slowly, quickly exploded into a high stakes paranormal adventure filled with action and disaster. I mean we get a ghost ship filled with zombies in the Caribbean, which I was 100% here for.
I enjoyed Alex as a character. She’s a force to be reckoned with and doesn’t scare easily. Her chemistry with Niles was effortless. I really enjoyed their banter and how they balanced each other.
I definitely would the rest of this series since it’s honestly a lot of fun. BUT, start with book one.
Thank you to the author for providing a review copy. This did not influence my review. All opinions are my own.
This is my first foray into the Alex Silver series without have read the prior three. I was told that this book does act as a standalone, so I wouldn’t miss out on much by jumping straight into Silver Crucible. That being said, I don’t necessarily agree with that. I was definitely confused for the first few chapters since it was clear that the readers should already know all about paranormal detective Alex Silver and her past. However, once you get to the meat of the story, that sense of being left out quickly fades.
Alex decides to refresh by swimming to Panama for a vacation. But even on vacation, Alex can’t seem to actually rest because she gets bitten by a vampire, Niles who is determined to give up his vampiric life in order to escape the Dark Master he serves. The stakes are high though, and Niles could easily wind up dead in the process, but Alex has to try, right?
What started off as a bit slowly, quickly exploded into a high stakes paranormal adventure filled with action and disaster. I mean we get a ghost ship filled with zombies in the Caribbean, which I was 100% here for.
I enjoyed Alex as a character. She’s a force to be reckoned with and doesn’t scare easily. Her chemistry with Niles was effortless. I really enjoyed their banter and how they balanced each other.
I definitely would the rest of this series since it’s honestly a lot of fun. BUT, start with book one.
Thank you to the author for providing a review copy. This did not influence my review. All opinions are my own.
November 5, 2023
Very entertaining
I liked this story. I'm truly liking the Alexis Silver adventures. I haven't found any stories like this of a mermaid but however I am loving every minute of the series from the first page to the last.
I liked this story. I'm truly liking the Alexis Silver adventures. I haven't found any stories like this of a mermaid but however I am loving every minute of the series from the first page to the last.
June 18, 2022
Incredible addition to a fabulous series!
By: J. R. Rain, Matthew S. Cox
Narrated by: Kelley Huston
Incredible addition to a fabulous series!
Overall: 5 of 5 stars Performance: 5 of 5 stars Story: 5 of 5 stars
Reviewed: 06-18-22
Vampire Niles Chamberlain gets more than he bargained for when he makes the mistake biting Alex in Silver Crucible, Book 4 of the fabulous Alexis Silver Series. Not only do Mermaids taste, well, disgusting to Vampires, Alex promptly puts him in his place, ouch, poor Niles! Was it a random boo boo? Sadly no, and truth be told, it really wasn’t Niles fault! It seems Niles’ Dark Master KNEW what would happen, but he wants out and doesn’t care if Niles is sacrificed in the process! This isn’t the only bit of shenanigans interrupting Alex’s long awaited, badly needed vacation cruising around Central America! It seems those waters are virtually watery graves, littered with the remains of ships, and be still my heart, oh wait, saying would be playing spoiler! Oops! Grab your headphones and prepare to be enthralled, mesmerized, horrified, and completely blown away by this one! The characters are a joy! They are so well developed that they smack of reality. I feel like I could run into them at the corner store and recognize them! I have to say, I really fell hard for Niles! The story, THIS STORY, is so well laid out, and flows so beautifully! The writing is clear, and the premise fascinating! What I really LOVE is that it all makes sense! I have no lingering questions! The only thing I want is more, like book five NOW! The other half of what makes this experience so pleasurable is the standout narration. The voice acting is incredible! Throughly consistent, throughly convincing, emotionally appropriate and in one word, perfect! Five stars, every category, across the board, perfect! I absolutely LOVED it!
By: J. R. Rain, Matthew S. Cox
Narrated by: Kelley Huston
Incredible addition to a fabulous series!
Overall: 5 of 5 stars Performance: 5 of 5 stars Story: 5 of 5 stars
Reviewed: 06-18-22
Vampire Niles Chamberlain gets more than he bargained for when he makes the mistake biting Alex in Silver Crucible, Book 4 of the fabulous Alexis Silver Series. Not only do Mermaids taste, well, disgusting to Vampires, Alex promptly puts him in his place, ouch, poor Niles! Was it a random boo boo? Sadly no, and truth be told, it really wasn’t Niles fault! It seems Niles’ Dark Master KNEW what would happen, but he wants out and doesn’t care if Niles is sacrificed in the process! This isn’t the only bit of shenanigans interrupting Alex’s long awaited, badly needed vacation cruising around Central America! It seems those waters are virtually watery graves, littered with the remains of ships, and be still my heart, oh wait, saying would be playing spoiler! Oops! Grab your headphones and prepare to be enthralled, mesmerized, horrified, and completely blown away by this one! The characters are a joy! They are so well developed that they smack of reality. I feel like I could run into them at the corner store and recognize them! I have to say, I really fell hard for Niles! The story, THIS STORY, is so well laid out, and flows so beautifully! The writing is clear, and the premise fascinating! What I really LOVE is that it all makes sense! I have no lingering questions! The only thing I want is more, like book five NOW! The other half of what makes this experience so pleasurable is the standout narration. The voice acting is incredible! Throughly consistent, throughly convincing, emotionally appropriate and in one word, perfect! Five stars, every category, across the board, perfect! I absolutely LOVED it!
July 25, 2020
Alex decides it is time to take a vacation. She makes sure her house and business are taken care of and take off in the ocean. She doesn't know how long she will be gone. Alex has some fun while in the ocean. She decides it is time to get back on shore for a bit. Alex has to decide where she can find some clothing to walk around in. She senses no humans close, but feels them off in the distance. Alex heads in that direction.
Alex feels someone behind her, gets attack before she is ready. Alex is attacked by a vampire. She finally gets him under control. The vampires name is Niles, he is thankful for Alex's help with getting his master under control. Niles tells Alex why he is there, he is looking for alchemist by the name of Geovani. Niles is having a problem with his dark master trying to get him destroyed. He is hoping this man can help in. Alex decides to help Niles find him. She is not doing much on her vacation.
That is just the start of the adventure for Alex and Niles. Alex will be going quite the trip with Niles and then herself to help him. What she encounters will leave Alex and her dark master thankful they were able to get away.
This book is full of action and some really good funny moment that you can't but laugh out loud at. I didn't want to give away to much of the story, I really recommend reading this story. I was really entertained by it, I would love across over with Samantha Moon.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, this is my honest and voluntary review.
Alex feels someone behind her, gets attack before she is ready. Alex is attacked by a vampire. She finally gets him under control. The vampires name is Niles, he is thankful for Alex's help with getting his master under control. Niles tells Alex why he is there, he is looking for alchemist by the name of Geovani. Niles is having a problem with his dark master trying to get him destroyed. He is hoping this man can help in. Alex decides to help Niles find him. She is not doing much on her vacation.
That is just the start of the adventure for Alex and Niles. Alex will be going quite the trip with Niles and then herself to help him. What she encounters will leave Alex and her dark master thankful they were able to get away.
This book is full of action and some really good funny moment that you can't but laugh out loud at. I didn't want to give away to much of the story, I really recommend reading this story. I was really entertained by it, I would love across over with Samantha Moon.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, this is my honest and voluntary review.
June 18, 2021
This is my review of the audio version as posted on Audible:
Another great listen in the series:)
With each book in the Alexis Silver series you can be sure the story will be fast, entertaining and full of surprises. This one is exactly like that:)
Alexis never stops working - even when she's on holiday...:) While travelling through Panama she meets a vampire who wants to stop being a vampire, wants to get rid of his Dark Master even if it means losing his own life, and so Alexis plunges head down into the adventure...:)
It's a fast story, with Alexis's sarcastic type of humour that makes the books even more entertaining. The new characters are fun to read/listen about and the plot itself has enough twists to keep you glued to the book until you finish it.
Narration by Ms Huston adds another level to the story - she IS Alexis, the girl in her interpretation is so much fun; the other voices are equally well done, and the pace of her reading is just right, and so clear that even if you speed the book up a bit, you won't lose anything really. It's a great interpretation of the book.
DISCLAIMER: I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Another great listen in the series:)
With each book in the Alexis Silver series you can be sure the story will be fast, entertaining and full of surprises. This one is exactly like that:)
Alexis never stops working - even when she's on holiday...:) While travelling through Panama she meets a vampire who wants to stop being a vampire, wants to get rid of his Dark Master even if it means losing his own life, and so Alexis plunges head down into the adventure...:)
It's a fast story, with Alexis's sarcastic type of humour that makes the books even more entertaining. The new characters are fun to read/listen about and the plot itself has enough twists to keep you glued to the book until you finish it.
Narration by Ms Huston adds another level to the story - she IS Alexis, the girl in her interpretation is so much fun; the other voices are equally well done, and the pace of her reading is just right, and so clear that even if you speed the book up a bit, you won't lose anything really. It's a great interpretation of the book.
DISCLAIMER: I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
August 18, 2020
I enjoy the character of Alexis Silver, and the larger world she inhabits. One has to buy into the supernatural world of Alexis, Samantha Moon, Kingsley, and the rest, but if you're reading paranormal anyway, not a problem.
The story is contemporary with Vampire Destiny (Vampire for Hire #19), set in Panama and the Caribbean Sea. Alexis goes there "on vacation" and ends up befriending a vampire named Niles. His Dark Master is trying to escape by killing him (see Vampire for Hire stories for background). They seek help from an Alchemist who sends Alexis on a mission to recover an enchanted crucible, likely lost at sea and needed create an elixir to evict the Dark Master. If she finds it, and the Alchemist succeeds in creating the elixir, will it work and will Niles survive the eviction? He's willing to try. If he doesn't he'll die anyway at the "hands" of his Dark Master. But first, they need to find the crucible.
The story is contemporary with Vampire Destiny (Vampire for Hire #19), set in Panama and the Caribbean Sea. Alexis goes there "on vacation" and ends up befriending a vampire named Niles. His Dark Master is trying to escape by killing him (see Vampire for Hire stories for background). They seek help from an Alchemist who sends Alexis on a mission to recover an enchanted crucible, likely lost at sea and needed create an elixir to evict the Dark Master. If she finds it, and the Alchemist succeeds in creating the elixir, will it work and will Niles survive the eviction? He's willing to try. If he doesn't he'll die anyway at the "hands" of his Dark Master. But first, they need to find the crucible.
August 5, 2020
Finding Trouble
•••NOT for the homophobic, transphobic, closedminded or faint of heart!•••
This series must be read in order. The third book is "Silver Quarrel". This is the fourth book. I can't wait to read more!
Alexis has decided to take a vacation. She has had enough of life on land for a while. Taking to the ocean always refreshes her immensely. How she seems to find trouble on the way to nowhere in particular is a gift. Meeting Bikes gives her an interesting mission to fulfill on her otherwise timeless wanderings. Can she help him get free from his Dark Master? Is it even possible without him being destroyed as well? Why does she feel the need to help some random vampire? Will she learn more of Elisabeth's plans? Can Elisabeth be stopped? Why can't Alexis seem to ever stay out of trouble?
•••NOT for the homophobic, transphobic, closedminded or faint of heart!•••
This series must be read in order. The third book is "Silver Quarrel". This is the fourth book. I can't wait to read more!
Alexis has decided to take a vacation. She has had enough of life on land for a while. Taking to the ocean always refreshes her immensely. How she seems to find trouble on the way to nowhere in particular is a gift. Meeting Bikes gives her an interesting mission to fulfill on her otherwise timeless wanderings. Can she help him get free from his Dark Master? Is it even possible without him being destroyed as well? Why does she feel the need to help some random vampire? Will she learn more of Elisabeth's plans? Can Elisabeth be stopped? Why can't Alexis seem to ever stay out of trouble?
September 12, 2020
Alex swims to the Caribbean Sea for a little vacation and ends up in Panama helping a vampire locate an alchemist who might a have method of separating him from his Dark Master before the DM kills him.
I love the whole Bermuda Triangle/cursed ship part. It was a nice surprise from what I expected of her mission. Different than most: creepy yet, humorous.
Footnote: 1) Not too happy with all the ‘eating people’ inner dialogue Alex has in this one.
2) I like ‘Sweet Caroline’.
Fave scenes: accidents with Model T’s, Alex solving Celia’s problem, dealing with the kidnappers, Alex’s reaction to the flooding and Licinia’s warning to Alex.
I love the whole Bermuda Triangle/cursed ship part. It was a nice surprise from what I expected of her mission. Different than most: creepy yet, humorous.
Footnote: 1) Not too happy with all the ‘eating people’ inner dialogue Alex has in this one.
2) I like ‘Sweet Caroline’.
Fave scenes: accidents with Model T’s, Alex solving Celia’s problem, dealing with the kidnappers, Alex’s reaction to the flooding and Licinia’s warning to Alex.
August 25, 2021
Silver Crucible, part of the Alexis Silver series
Alexis is trying to help a vampire while on vacation and stumbles on a ghost ship in the middle of the Caribbean. The ship is full of zombies, ghosts and a curse.. I loved this one!!
Alexis is a great character and I love her sass! The storylines are always fun and full of adventure. I highly recommend this series!
Audio narration does an amazing job bringing everything to life!!
Alexis is trying to help a vampire while on vacation and stumbles on a ghost ship in the middle of the Caribbean. The ship is full of zombies, ghosts and a curse.. I loved this one!!
Alexis is a great character and I love her sass! The storylines are always fun and full of adventure. I highly recommend this series!
Audio narration does an amazing job bringing everything to life!!
August 26, 2023
Adventure upon adventure
Alexis Silver doesn't seem to have down days. The number of quests she accomplishes during this book are legendary, in more ways than one. She rescues people and ghosts from peril, saves a vampire and allows an alchemist to try the skill of an ancient mystery. It's all in a few days of the life of your average mermaid for Alexis....or is it? I feel there may be more to come.
Alexis Silver doesn't seem to have down days. The number of quests she accomplishes during this book are legendary, in more ways than one. She rescues people and ghosts from peril, saves a vampire and allows an alchemist to try the skill of an ancient mystery. It's all in a few days of the life of your average mermaid for Alexis....or is it? I feel there may be more to come.
August 2, 2020
Another excellent adventure!
I enjoy the Alexis Silver books. The concept is so different. A mermaid. Really? She crosses over with other characters from the world's of Rain; which is cool. I like the continuity.
I enjoy the Alexis Silver books. The concept is so different. A mermaid. Really? She crosses over with other characters from the world's of Rain; which is cool. I like the continuity.
August 9, 2020
I like Alexis Silver but story felt pointless
Although I enjoy this series, this book didn't seem to have a purpose. It just seemed like filler that didn't advance the character's story line. A bit disappointed.
Although I enjoy this series, this book didn't seem to have a purpose. It just seemed like filler that didn't advance the character's story line. A bit disappointed.
March 6, 2021
Gotta love Alexis
Really enjoyed this one, good to.see Alexis in her element. Although I was hoping for more with Niles. Can also see where this story fits with Sam's story. Looks like Niles is like Anthony. Looking forward to the next
Really enjoyed this one, good to.see Alexis in her element. Although I was hoping for more with Niles. Can also see where this story fits with Sam's story. Looks like Niles is like Anthony. Looking forward to the next
July 30, 2021
My review is based on the audiobook. This series is one of my favorite. I am truly invested in Alexis journey. The world the author has created is interesting. I love all of the different creatures through out the books. The narrator was wonderful at bringing the story & characters to life
August 9, 2021
Silver Crucible
Alexis is supposed to be on vacation, but of course she doesn't just get to relax. She comes across a vampire and a ghost ship. Both need her help. This is a fun story and I love the conversations between the two of them
The narrator does an amazing job as always
Alexis is supposed to be on vacation, but of course she doesn't just get to relax. She comes across a vampire and a ghost ship. Both need her help. This is a fun story and I love the conversations between the two of them
The narrator does an amazing job as always
July 31, 2020
As always JR Rain delivers an excellent story!
September 14, 2020
Must read
I can't wait for the next installment. I love Alexis Silver. This world is wonderful. New adventures, nothing is rite. I love it!
I can't wait for the next installment. I love Alexis Silver. This world is wonderful. New adventures, nothing is rite. I love it!
May 28, 2021
Great series
I really enjoyed this series and can't wait for the next book! I need more of Ms Silver! Love her.
I really enjoyed this series and can't wait for the next book! I need more of Ms Silver! Love her.
August 25, 2021
Okay, I think I can safely say that she’s not going to meet anyone soon lol. All in all it was a great read.
May 10, 2023
Fantastic!
Another great book. This series has been so exciting and has the necessary suspense to keep me moving forward onto the next book. Many Thanks to the authors!
Another great book. This series has been so exciting and has the necessary suspense to keep me moving forward onto the next book. Many Thanks to the authors!
August 8, 2023
Not the Little Mermaid
This is book four of six.
I’ve been enjoying the series. But I swear if Rain spouts ant more puns I’m going to feed him to Ananda Lee.
This is book four of six.
I’ve been enjoying the series. But I swear if Rain spouts ant more puns I’m going to feed him to Ananda Lee.
March 1, 2024
It just keeps getting better and better!
August 12, 2024
Sterling Silver
Alex Siler is a more sophisticated version that f Samantha Moon, lighter, less baggage, with humor and just the right alchemy to make this an excellent read.
Alex Siler is a more sophisticated version that f Samantha Moon, lighter, less baggage, with humor and just the right alchemy to make this an excellent read.
July 28, 2021
Alexis finally takes her vacation and she finds herself helping a new friend out. When she finally goes out back to see in search for a mysterious item, I feel like this is really when the story picks up. I enjoyed the suspense and plot that surrounded the mysterious boat. It was fun and kept me on edge of my seat. I listened to the audiobook and the narrator did a wonderful job performing the story and using different tones and inflections for different characters.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews